Brutalist Bronze Wall Mirror by Paul Evans, 1970s

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Description

A wall mirror from the 1970s, constructed in wood and composite materials and finished with a richly textured bronze surface. … Read more A wall mirror from the 1970s, constructed in wood and composite materials and finished with a richly textured bronze surface. Conceived within the sculptural language of Paul Evans and the broader Brutalist movement, the piece explores texture, geometry, and material expression in equal measure.

The form is vertical and assertive, organized around a central mirror plate. Surrounding it is a deeply textured frame composed of irregular, hand-worked panels. Crosshatched grids, fractured planes, and linear striations create a composition that feels both structured and weathered, with each section contributing its own rhythm and texture.

The bronze-toned finish catches light in uneven flashes across its ridges and recesses, creating depth and shadow throughout the frame. Variations in texture draw the eye across the surface, emphasizing the dimensional quality of the piece and reinforcing its architectural presence. The edges are substantial and deliberate, holding the mirror like a structural boundary rather than a decorative outline.

Paul Evans (1931–1987) was an American designer and sculptor whose work helped define the Studio Furniture movement. Trained in metallurgy and educated at the Cranbrook Academy of Art, Evans distinguished himself from many of his contemporaries by working primarily in metal, creating furniture that blended handcrafted artistry with industrial materials and techniques.

He is best known for his sculpted-front cabinets, expressive sculpted-bronze works, and the iconic Cityscape series produced for Directional. Characterized by textured surfaces, bold geometric forms, and a distinctly Brutalist sensibility, Evans’s furniture remains celebrated for its combination of functionality, craftsmanship, and sculptural presence.

Condition: Great vintage condition overall, with a natural patina and oxidation inherent to bronze. The mirror shows light surface wear, appropriate with age and use. See less